The Chicago Bears are heading into Sunday’s trip to Lambeau Field without one of their most important offensive pieces.
Running back Kyle Monangai has been ruled out for the Week 5 matchup against the Green Bay Packers because of a toe injury, a setback for a Bears rushing attack that has been one of the team’s biggest strengths this season. Chicago enters the game at 3-1, while Green Bay is 2-2 and trying to put its early-season unevenness behind it.
Monangai’s absence stings even more because of what he just did against the New York Jets. In Chicago’s 23-12 win last Sunday, the rookie handled a career-high 30 carries, piling up 146 yards and two touchdowns. He also leads the Bears with 324 rushing yards on the season, so this is not a small loss.
The injury picture looked a little different at first. Monangai also hurt his thumb against the Jets, but head coach Ben Johnson said the toe turned into the bigger issue.
Monangai did not practice this week, has been in a walking boot and is considered week-to-week. For now, the Bears are not planning to put him on injured reserve.
With Monangai out, D’Andre Swift is expected to move back into the lead role in the backfield. Swift was benched after fumbling against the Jets, which opened the door for Monangai to take on a larger load. Now the Bears may need Swift to answer right back, with Roschon Johnson also in line for more work.
Chicago’s ground game took a major hit at exactly the wrong time. The Bears are walking into a divisional matchup at Lambeau Field, and they’ll need their other backs to carry the load if they want to keep the momentum from last week rolling.
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